Radio apparatus



March 30, 1943. w, E CARNES 2,315,315

Y RADIO APPARATUS y Filed May 2, 1941 5 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IlHlhlll-ll lill; [Illllmlllu A l f w V 1 zz y296:

AQ/(MW March-30, 1943.v w.' E. cAlRNEs RADIO APPARATUSA 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 2, 1941 faz Patented Mar. 30, 1943 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,315,315 RADIO APPARATUS William E. Cairnes, Chicago, Ill., assigner to Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application May 2, 1941, Serial No. 391,535

r1 Claims.

This invention relates to radio apparatus and in particular to an antenna structure for radio receiving apparatus.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved antenna structure for radio apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide a radio receiving set having an antenna structure which is selectively mountable ina plurality of positions on the set or on a surface removed therefrom.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved antenna structure which is selectively mountable on the radio apparatus or remotely therefrom by means providing for its electrical connection with the radio apparatus.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a radio receiver having an antenna which is adapted to be mounted in a plurality of operatingpositions on the casing or on a surface removed therefrom, by means which are simple of design, do not detract from the appearance of the set, and which'serve to electrically connect the antenna with the set at all of such operating positions.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of a portable receiving set having means for mounting an antenna structure in a plurality of positions thereon, and accessory means for mounting' the antenna on a surface removed from'the set, with all of said mounting means being adapted to electrically connect the antenna structure with the set.

Yet another feature of this invention is found in the provision of means for mounting a loop antenna on a supporting structure therefor which are adapted to releasably retain the antenna in a predetermined position relative to its mounting structure.

Furtherv objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description when taken in Connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a radio receiving set showing the antenna structure therefor in one of its operating positions and dotted lines to show the antenna structure serving as the front cover for theY receiver;

Fig. 2 is a front View showing the means for mounting the antenna on its supporting structure;

Fig. 3 is aview illustrated similarly to Fig. 2 showing the parts thereof in a changed position; Figi 4- is a View taken along the line 4 4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a view in perspective looking from the rear of the radio receiving set and showing the antenna structure and its adaptation for mounting in a plurality of positions; and

Fig'. 6 is a detailed plan view of accessory means for mounting the antenna structure on a surface removed from the radio apparatus.

Referring to the drawings the radio receiving set is shown in Fig. 1 as being of portable type and having a cabinet or casing I with a carrying handle H secured to the top thereof and including an inner front portion II adapted to be covered, for a closing of the casing, by an antenna structure I2. The antenna structure I2 is comprised of a panel or false front having a hand gripping' knobl I3 and formed of two plate members I4 and I4 (Figs. 4 and 5) assembled back to back withV a loop antenna I 6 therebetween. The structure I2' comprising the panel is shown in full lines' in Fig. 1, in its full open position relative to the front wall II, and in dotted linesy in its closed position. The mounting of the antenna providing for its movement to these two positions is accomplished in the present invention by mounting means designated generally as I1 which will now be fully described. Y

The mounting means I1 include a pair of conductor socket units I8 (Figs. 1 and 5) provided nea-r the top of the inner wall Il and spaced longitudinally thereof. These socket units are of a usual type and are adapted to releasably 'receive therein in frictional engagement cooperating conductor pin elements I9 (Figs. 1 and 4). The pin elements I9 correspond in number and in longitudinal spacing to the sockets I3 and are pivotally' carried by the front panel or cover near one side thereof by hinge units 2| (Figs. 2 and 3).

Each hinge unit 2l includes aV pair of cooperating members or parts 22 and 23, the member 22 being of substantially VU -shape and having a nat portion intermediate the legs 216 and 21 thereof positioned between the plates I4 and I4' of the panel for securement' thereto as by rivets or the like 24. The outer ends of the legs 26 and 21 extend outwardly from between the panel plates I4 and I4 and are bent into a substantially circular shape or forinA to vreceive therein an axis or shaft member 28. The hinge Vmember 23 is substantially flat longitudinally, with the pin element I9 being secured at one end thereof, the opposite'end 23 thereof being circularly bent and positioned between the legs 26 and 21 of the member 22. As isreadily' apparent from Figs.'2

and 3 the shaft member 28 is also extended through the circular end 29 of the member 23 to operatively connect the two members 22 and 23 but permitting relative rotation therebetween. The distance between the legs 26 and 21 of the member 22 is somewhat greater than the axial extent of the end portion 29 of the member 23 positioned therebetween, to provide for a relative axial movement between the members 22 and 23.

That portion of the shaft member 28 positioned within the leg 21 is of a reduced section to accommodate a spring member 3| positioned thereabout and arranged in compression against one side of the member 23 and a stop or cap member y By virtue of 32 provided on the leg portion 21.

this spring assembly the hinge member 23 is yieldably urged against the leg portion 26 of the member 22 for a purpose now to be explained.

The circular end portion 29 of the member 23 is formed with an axially extending projection 33 which is adapted to be received in a correspending recess 34 formed in the end of the leg 26. When the antenna structure I2 is in its open position, that is, in its position extending upwardly from the casing I0 and in a plane Substantially parallel to the plane of the inner wall II, the projection 33 is seated within the recess 34, this seated engagement and hence the maintenance of the antenna I2 in its upward position being releasably retained by the pressure exerted by the spring 3| on the member 23. The engaged position of the projection 33 in the recess 34 is clearly shown in Fig. 2. On pivotal movement of the antenna structure I2 to a covering position relative to the inner wall II the projection 33 is gradually removed or cammed from the recess 34 into abutting engagement with the inner side of the leg portion 26 as is shown in Fig. 3. By virtue of this assembly and construction of the hinge units 2|, the panel I3 is pivotally movable from its closing position to a full open position, and releasably retained in its open position to eliminate any possibility of its falling downwardly to a closing position except when such downward movement is desired.

As shown in Fig. 5, the socket units I8 are connected by conductors 36 to a lug 21 provided on a soldering plate 38. The soldering plate 38 is electrically connected through the lug 31 and conductor 39 to a terminal plate 4I which in turn is in electrical connection with the receiving circuit of the set. The antenna I6 is electrically connected with a rivet 24 on the hinge units 2| to provide for its electrical connection with the conductor pins I9 through the hinge units. By virtue of the pins I9 being of a spring construction (Fig. 4) to frictionally engage for mechanical connection the sockets I8, electrical connection of the antenna I6 with the radio receiving circuit is obtainedl concurrently with an insertion of the pins I9 in their corresponding sockets.

In some instances the positioning of the antenna structure I2 on the front of the cabinet and upwardly therefrom may result in some inconvenience either from an appearance standpoint, or relative to its interfering with surrounding objects. To eliminate these inconveniences while providing for an efficient loperation of the antenna, it is contemplated in the present invention that socket units Ia, similar in all respects to the sockets I 8, be provided on the back Wall of the cabinet I0 (Fig. 5) in a position substantially laterally disposed from the sockets units I8 and I8a are freely accessible at all times, the antenna structure I2 is readily attachable and detachable to provide for a positioning of the antenna on either the front or back of the radio cabinet at the option of the Aradio operator. By virtue of the pivotal support of the pin elements I9 on the front panel, it is obvious that the antenna structure I2, when in a supported position on the back of the cabinet, is pivotally movable similarly to its movement when mounted on the front of the cabinet, to a position extending substantially vertically upwardly from the cabinet as well as to a position against and in covering relation with respect to the back wall of the cabinet. 'Ihe socket units I8a are carried clirectly by the soldering plates 38 so that elec- -trical connection of the antenna I6 with the radio receiving circuit is obtained through these sockets immediately upon the insertion of the pin elements I9 therein.

Under some conditions of operation, such as when the receiver is being operated in a vehicle, or in a home, oice, or the like, shielding effects are encountered which appreciably reduce the signal pick-up of the antenna. It is well known that these shielding effects are practically eliminated by mounting the antenna on some unshielded surface such as a window or the like. For situations of this kind the present invention contemplates mounting the antenna I2 on a window or surface located away from the receiver by accessory means including a terminal board or attachment member 42 (Figs. 5 and 6) of substantially rectangular shape and of a longitudinal length slightly greater than the distance between the pin elements I9 on the antenna structure I2. A socket unit |81) similar in all respects to a socket unit I8, is secured near each end of the member 42 in a spaced relation in correspondence with the pins I9, to provide for the mounting of the antenna structure on the member 42 and to one side thereof. Suction or vacuum cups 43 are secured to the opposite side of the member 42 and function to attach the member 42 to a window or other smooth surface in a well known manner.

A exible belt or strap portion 44 is secured to one end of the member 42 and carries conductors 46 and 41 which are electrically connected at one of their ends to a corresponding one of the sockets I8b. Jacks 48 are provided at the opposite ends of the conductors 46 and 41 for mating engagement with sockets 49 provided on a soldering plate 5| in the back portion of the casing I9, the plate 5I being connected by conductors 39 to the receiving circuit terminal plate 4 I. With the jacks 48 in their inserted positions within the sockets 49 electrical connection of the antenna I6, when the antenna structure I2 is mounted on the accessory member 42, is completed with the receiving circuit of the radio receiver in an obvious manner.

' It is seen, therefore, that the socket units I8, |811 and |8b are all of similar construction and in electrical connection with the terminal plate 4| of the radio receiving circuit. Since the pins I9 are in electrical connection with the antenna I6, mounting of the antenna structure on either the front or rear of the cabinet, or on the accessory member 42 provides, through such mounting, an electrical connection of the anten- I8 provided on the front wall. Since the socketV 75V na with the radio receiving circuit. It is to be noted also that the antenna I6 is pivotally movable in each of its mounting positions to a. plurality of operating positions. The accessory means for mounting the antenna on a surface removed from the radio receiver may be carried, when not inv use, in a suitable compartment (not shown)l provided Within the radio cabinet I0. However, with the accessory member 42 in a secured position on a surface removed from the cabinet, the antenna structure I2 may be selectively mounted on the frontor rear portion of the cabinet or supported by the accessory member 42 at a position removed from the cabinet as is clearly apparent from a 'consideration of Fig.V 5. Since the antenna structure is readily attachable and detachable at all ofthese positions, a mounting of the antenna in a position which is most eiective for producing a satisfactory and eiiicient operation oi the radio receiver is quickly and simply obtained.

Although the invention has ibeen described and illustrated with reference to a specific embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited, since modifications and alterations therein can be made which are within the full intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim: v ,s

1. In radio receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit and a casing, the combination with an antenna structure comprising a panel for one side of said casing and an antenna carried by said panel, of means for detachably mounting said antenna structure in a plurality oi" operating positions on said casing including socket units on said one side of said casing, other socket units on a second side of said casing, pin means carried on said panel for selective insertion in said socket and other socket units, means electrically connecting said pin means with said antenna, and means electrically connecting said socket and other socket units with said receiving circuit to Aprovide for the electrical connection of said antenna and receiving circuit when said antenna is in a mounted position on said casing.

2. In radio receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit and a cabinet including a back portion and a front portion, the combination with anV antenna structure comprising a Ypanel for covering said front portion andv a loop antenna carried by said panel, of means for detachably mounting said antenna structure in a plurality of operating positions on said cabinet including socket units spaced in said front and back portions longitudinally of said cabinet, means electrically connecting said socket units in said receiving circuit, projecting means provided on said panel, and means electrically connecting said projecting means with said loop, said projecting means being adapted to be received in the socket units on either said front or back cabinet portions to provide for a selective mounting of said loop antenna on lsaid cabinet in electrical connection with said receiving circuit.

3. In radio receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit and a cabinet, with an antenna structure comprising aV panel f or said cabinet having a loop therein, the means for mounting said antenna structure in a plurality of operating positions on said cabinet including conductor means electrically connected with said loop, means pivotally supporting said conductor means on said panel, means on each of at least two side portions of said cabinet adapted to releasably engage said conductor means to provide for a selective mounting of said antenna structure on said cabinet, and means electrically connecting said releasably engaging means with said receiving circuit so that said antenna structure is in electrical connection with said receiving circuit when it is in a mounted position, with said antenna structure being pivotally movable to a plurality of operating positions in each ofA said mounted positions.v

4. In radio receiving apparatus having a receiving circuitand provided with a casing including a panel having a loop antenna therein, the meansfor mounting said antenna in a plurality of operating positions including means adapted to be attached to a surface removed from said casing, means for securing said attachable means to said removed surface, conductor means on said panel electrically connected with said antenna, other conductor means on each of at least two side portions .of said casing and on said attachable means adapted to releasably engage said rstv conductor means to provide for a selective mounting of said antenna on either one of said two side portions or on said attachable means, and means for electrically `connecting said othery conductor means with said receiving circuit so that said antenna is in electrical connection vwith said receiving circuit in each of said mounting positions.`

5. In radio receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit and provided with a casing having, a panel with a loop antenna therein, the means for mounting said antenna in a plurality of `operating positions including a member adapted to be attached to a surface positioned away from said cabinet, pin means electrically connected with said antenna, means pivotally connecting said pin means with said panel, socket'units on at least two side portions of said casing and on said attachable member, with the socket units on each of said side. portions and on said attachable member being adapted to receive saidpin means to provide for a releasable mounting of said antenna on either one of said side portions on on-said attachable member, and means for electrically connecting all of said socket units with said'receiver circuit so that said antenna is in electrical connection with said circuit at each of said mounting positions, said antenna being pivotally movable to a plurality of operating positions in each of said mounting positions, and to a position against said .cabinet when mounted on either one of said two side portions.

6. Ina radio receiver set including a receiving circuit and provided with a casing having a false front with a loop antenna therein, the combination of means providing for a selective mounting of said antenna on said casing and on a surface removed therefrom including a supporting member, means for attaching said supporting member to said removed surface, conductor means electrically connected with said antenna, means pivotally supporting said conductor means on said false front, other conductor means on said casing and on said supporting member adapted toA operatively engage said conductor means to provide for the mounting of said antenna on either said casing or supporting member, and means electrically connecting said other conductor means with said circuit so that said antenna is in electrical connection with said receiving circuit concurrently with the mounting thereof on either said casing or supporting member, with said antenna being pivotally movable to a plurality of operating positions in either of said mounted positions.

7. In a radio receiving set having a casing with an inner front wall, and an antenna structure including a front panel having a loop antenna therein, the means providing for a movement of said antenna to a plurality of operating positions when it is in a mounted position on said front wall including conductor units in electrical connection therewith, means pivotally connecting each of said conductor units with said panel, and means on said front wall corresponding to said conductor units and adapted to receive said conducting units therein to provide for a mounting of said antenna thereon, said receiving means being in electrical connection with said receiving circuit so as to electrically connect said antenna therewith, said antenna being pivotally movable in one direction to a covering` position relative to said front wall, and in an opposite direction to a position substantially parallel with said front wall, said pivotal means having cooperating portions thereon adapted to releasably retain said antenna in said latter position.

8. In a radio receiving set provided with a casing and including an antenna structure comprising a panel for a side portion of said casing with a loop antenna therein, the means for operatively mounting said antenna structure on said casing or on a surface removed therefrom including an attachment member adapted to be secured on said removed surface, pin means electrically connected with said antenna, means pivotally supporting said pin means on said panel, socket units on said casing side portion and on said attachment member for receiving said pin means to mount said antenna, with the socket units on said casing being electrically connected with said receiving set, and means electrically connecting the socket units on said attachment member with the socket units on said casing so that insertion of the pin means in either the socket units on said casing or the socket units on said attachment member concurrently electrically connects said antenna with said receiving set, said antenna being pivotally movable to a plurality of operating positions in either of said mounted positions, and when mounted on said casing being pivotally movable to a position in covering relation with respect to said casing side portioni 9. In a radio receiving set provided with an antenna structure including a panel with a loop antenna therein and having supporting means for said antenna structure, the improvement which comprises means for yieldably retaining said antenna structure in a predetermined position relative to the plane of said supporting means including conductor units on said supporting means in electrical connection with said receiving set, other conductor units electrically connected with said antenna adapted to operatively engage said rst conductor units to provide for a mounting of said antenna on said supporting means, means pivotally supporting said other conductor units on said panel including a portion on said panel and a portion on each of said other conductor units, axis means operatively connecting said two portions for rotation but permitting relative axial movement therebetween, one of said portions having an axially extending projection thereon, and the other of said portionsK having a recess therein adapted to receive said projection when said antenna structure is in said predetermined position, and means yieldably retaining said antenna structure in said predetermined position.

10. In a radio receiver having a removable part with an antenna and conductor portion therewith, the means for mounting the removable part and antenna in a position removed from the receiver and entirely physically independent thereof in which position the antenna is adapted to receive signals for transmission to the receiver, said means including a supporting member having means for mounting said supporting member in a desired position, conductor means on said supporting member for electrical connection with the conductor portion ofthe antenna and for mounting the removable part and .antenna on said supporting member, and second conductor vmeans having at least a portion on said supporting member electrically connected with said first conductor means and adapted for connection with the receiver to thereby complete the electrical connection from the mounted antenna to the receiver removed therefrom, with said first conductor means being releasable from said antenna conductor portion andA said second conductor means being releasable from the receiver.

ll.-In=a radio receiver having a housing with a connector portion thereon electrically connected to the receiver in the housing and a removable and pivotal antenna support having an antenna thereon, the means for supporting said antenna support on said housing including a hinge unit having a portion secured to the antenna support and in electrical connection with the antenna thereon and having another portion pivotal relative to the rst portion and the antenna support with said another portion in electrical connection with the rst portion, means for maintaining the hinge unit portions in any predetermined pivoted position relative to the housing, and connecting means rigidly secured to said another portion and electrically connected therewith adapted for releasable frictional physical and electrical connection with the connector portion on the housing to provide a mounting and support for the antenna when it is on the housing, and permit ready disconnection therefrom and connection therewith for removability of the antenna support from the housing.

WILLIAM E. CAIRNES. 

